Myanmar ‘boat people’ most welcome in Phl

Just like when it assisted the so-called “boat people” from Vietnam in the 70s, the Philippines will provide relief and assistance to people escaping from Myanmar and who are now wandering in Southeast Asian waters.

Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the Philippines is duty-bound to do this as it is a signatory to the UN 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. 

“We shall continue to do our share in saving lives under existing and long-standing mechanisms pursuant to our commitments under the Convention,” said Coloma.

Thousands are fleeing Myanmar to escape alleged government crackdown on minority Muslims, with many finding themselves in waters off Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, unable to land since they lack travel documents.

But Philippine government will allow the “boat people” to stay in the country  even without documents provided they are genuine asylum seekers from Myanmar and  Bangladesh.

The Philippines has a rich history of taking in asylum seekers, including the 1,500 Jews who were escaping persecution during World War II. It also hosted a community of Vietnamese displaced by the communist takeover in a facility in Bataan.-end-

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